Year in Review: Wells High School to get an overhaul

WELLS — On Nov. 5th, voters in Wells and Ogunquit approved a $26.85 million construction project that will transform Wells High School.

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By Ann Charlton

seacoastonline.com

By Ann Charlton

Posted Jan. 2, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Ann Charlton
Posted Jan. 2, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

WELLS — On Nov. 5th, voters in Wells and Ogunquit approved a $26.85 million construction project that will transform Wells High School.

The Wells High School building project will begin construction in 2014 on 81,000 square feet of new classroom space and 39,000 square feet of renovated space which includes the gymnasium, cafeteria, and auditorium.

Tax implications for Ogunquit will be $49 per $100,000 of valuation. For Wells, the tax increase will be $61 per $100,000 of valuation. This is the most a taxpayer will see for the renovations and expansion of WHS. Every year the 20 year bond is repaid, the tax implication will slightly decrease.

"We are thrilled, excited, and thankful for the opportunity to provide our high school students with a learning environment that will reflect the Wells and Ogunquit communities' pride in their accomplishments," said Superintendent Ellen Schneider. "This facility will help us to meet the needs of our learners now and far into the future."

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2014, starting with construction of the new 81,000 square feet of educational space. This part of the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2015. Wells High School Principal Jim Daly expects students to return to school after the December 2015 break and begin classes in the newly-built educational wing. In the winter and spring of 2016, renovations will begin on the cafeteria, auditorium, and gymnasium. The project is expected to be complete by the fall of 2016.